Car accidents not only happen at an alarming rate but are also alarmingly severe. The statistics related to car accidents bear out exactly how serious they can be.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weighs In
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that the death rate related to traffic accidents in the United States exceeds the averages in other high-income countries. Our average usage of life-saving front seatbelts is also lower than that of other countries. Finally, drunk driving and excessive speed play an outsized role in traffic fatalities in the United States. CDC points out that, as a nation, we can – and should – do better.
The Statistics
CDC shares a wide range of statistics related to car accidents and other traffic accidents (based on a study that spans from 2000 to 2013) including all of the following;
- Approximately 90 people die in fatal traffic accidents every day, and this is the highest fatality rate among all the countries included in the study.
- In the years spanning from 2000 to 2013, the rate of traffic fatalities fell by 31 percent in the U.S. meanwhile; the average fell by 56 percent in comparison countries.
- If the U.S. could bring its traffic fatalities in line with the 19 comparison countries, we would save more than 18,000 lives each year.
- The traffic-related fatality rate in the U.S. is near twice the rate of the next highest comparison country (New Zealand). It is four times higher than the lowest comparison country (Sweden).
- Of the comparison countries, Spain saw the highest decrease in traffic fatalities from 2000 to 2013 (at 75 percent), while the United States saw the lowest (at 25 percent).
- When it comes to traffic fatalities that involve alcohol, only Canada's ranking is higher (with 34 percent) than that of the United States (with 31 percent). The Netherlands experienced the lowest ranking, with 19 percent.
The State of Texas
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shares the following concerning statistics that relate directly to the State of Texas:
- From 2014 to 2018, Texas exceeded the national average for traffic fatalities by a considerable margin.
- From 2014 to 2018, the rate of traffic fatalities in Texas was at least double that of the state with the lowest rate.
- The national average for traffic fatalities is 10.28 deaths per 100,000 people, while in Texas, it is 13.11 deaths per 100,000 people. Texas's average is almost four times higher than that of the state with the lowest rate.
Do Not Delay Consulting with an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney
Suppose someone else's negligence causes you to be injured in a car accident, attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is committed to applying his considerable skill and experience in helping you achieve your most-favorable case resolution. We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at (254) 220-4225 for more information today.